‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”